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| Joseph P. Smallwood |  |  |  |  |
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| Joseph P. Smallwood was a very successful businessman in Macon County. He helped his father with his farm until he was 16, then became a blacksmith for five years. In 1850, he went to California for three years during the Gold Rush, but did not meet with much success. He returned in 1854 and resumed farming until 1859. He then traded in his land for a steam mill and was a miller for a year. He then went to Montana where he was engaged in freighting for seven years. In 1870, he returned to Decatur and started a clothing and merchant-tailoring business which he followed for 13 years. He sold that business and improved his two farms in Edgar and Shelby Counties. In 1885, he built a block of flats in Decatur and also owned considerable other property in the city. In addition, Joseph owned a stable and raised thoroughbred race horses. The 1893 history of Macon County had this to say about Joseph: "Mr. Smallwood is a man of enterprise and perseverance, and his keen judgment and good management have been important factors in his success in life. He has made a handsome fortune by his well-directed efforts, and can now live retired, resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil." Clinton Public January 30, 1891 Joseph P. SMALLWOOD is a wealthy farmer who lives near Decatur. He is a brother of George and Asbury SMALLWOOD, old residents of this county who died a few years ago. Joseph Smallwood is about fifty-five years old and is worth not less than $60,000. He has a son named Frank, who is a sporting character, and who had a great desire to become possessed of his father’s wealth. Frank decided that his father must be got out of the way, and to that end he entered into a conspiracy with a young fellow named POTTER. Together they plotted to hire a man for $2500 to murder the old man. Fortunately for old Mr. Smallwood a detective got on to the scheme and he ingratiated himself into their good graces, so that they finally hired him to do the deed. Young Smallwood gave the detective three promissory notes, two for $1000 each and one for $500, and the money was to be paid as soon as the murder was committed. The detective notified the old man that the deed was to be committed on a certain day, and everything was ready to arrest young Smallwood and Potter when they got wind of the affair and skipped out. The proof against young Smallwood is his signature to the notes, and when he is caught he will pay the penalty of conspiring against the life of his father. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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